Ed.: The Inspired Stays series highlights hotels we love around Italy. Each property is independently reviewed by an Italy Magazine writer, who is generally hosted on a complimentary basis. Our contributors do not accept compensation or gifts in exchange for specific types of coverage. We only showcase properties we would genuinely recommend overall.
Why we love it
A former Renaissance ²¹°ù³Ù¾±²õ³Ù²õ’ retreat with Duomo views and curated hospitality, Dimora Ghirlandaio blends historical credentials with contemporary luxury.
What to expect
The 15th-century hamlet Podere di Colle Ramole — made up of five villas now known as Dimora Ghirlandaio — is Tuscan through and through. Surrounded by a 54-acre park and manicured gardens, a grapevine-lined path leads to the estate’s infinity pool. Dimora Ghirlandaio was previously a private getaway that only allowed rentals of the entire property, but now guests can book hotel-style and reserve individual villas, while enjoying the tranquility of a vast estate.
Background
Opened in 2019 by the Cecchi family, Dimora Ghirlandaio was the 15th-century estate of Florentine goldsmith Tommaso Bigordi (known as “G³ó¾±°ù±ô²¹²Ô»å²¹¾±´Ç,†for the lavish garland headpieces he created). His son, Domenico, a great master in the mid-to-late 15th century, and his grandson, Ridolfo, a celebrated 16th-century artist, then went on to spend summers among friends and family on the grounds. Guests can see the Ghirlandaio family history in the on-site 16th-century chapel’s walls, which were frescoed by Ridolfo.
Location, location, location
With its setting in the hills of Impruneta above Florence, among olive groves and stone walls, Dimora Ghirlandaio offers countryside tranquility with the Tuscan capital close at hand. Brunelleschi’s dome and other icons of the historic center are visible from rooms, terraces and the infinity pool, and just a quick 15-minute drive away. Waking up early for a stroll through the quiet neighborhood or going for a dip in the pool is the perfect way to start the day before tucking into a rich breakfast served on the patio of your private villa.
Where you’ll sleep
With five villas and a suite, the Dimora is perfect for an intimate getaway or a festive gathering, with 20 bedrooms among the accommodations. Some have full kitchens, indoor and outdoor fireplaces, and elegant outdoor patios. Inside, there’s attention to detail, with Tuscan touches such as marble bathrooms with Rubinetterie Fiorentine sinks, antique block prints on the walls, and upholstered bed frames in muted pastels. During our stay in the light-filled, five-bedroom main villa, we opened our windows each morning greeted by opera, birdsong and sweeping hillside views.
Dining & drinks
From breakfast to dinner, the staff at Dimora Ghirlandaio's on-site restaurant uses some ingredients from its farm to craft Tuscan-inspired dishes, paired with award-winning olive oil from a 42-acre grove that’s been in the Cecchi family for more than 50 years. Breakfast is included with all stays, and guests can also opt for all-inclusive meals.
Service notes
We enjoyed some of the meals more than others (a five-course seafood lunch seemed a bit out of place in the setting, and some dishes at dinner also missed the mark), and would recommend the dinner that was part of a cooking class in our villa, which included dishes such as tagliolini with ragu and chicken cacciatore with roasted potatoes.
Spa time
Under a vaulted brick ceiling is a bijou spa with a sauna, Turkish bath and Jacuzzi, which can be booked for private use. Treatments by a skillful masseuse are also available.
You should know...
With stairs throughout the estate, Dimora Ghirlandaio is not accessible for travelers with mobility issues. Though taxis and tours are readily available, it’s best to have a car to fully explore the area.
Accessibility
- Some stairs are required.
- There is no onsite elevator.
Features & amenities
- Countryside setting
- Restaurant
- Free WiFi
- Free parking
- Pool
- Spa
- Garden
- Family friendly
Contacts
Dimora Ghirlandaio
Via Colleramole, 59, Impruneta
Tel. +39 055 23 74 507
